Choose the Right Synonym for explicit

explicit, definite, express, specific mean perfectly clear in meaning. explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.
explicit instructions definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.
the law is definite in such cases express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.
her express wishes specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.
two specific criticisms

Examples of explicit in a Sentence

From closer restrictions on sexually explicit writing came the success, in the mid-19th century, of the novelist George Thompson, who combined graphically violent scenes set in urban dystopias with coy peekaboo references to sex.— Susan Dominus, New York Times Book Review, 5 Apr. 2009 … the cheerleaders in Washington wore dreads and leather pants and those burdensome-looking collections of buttons (those … skeins of explicit ideology), rather than letter sweaters and pleated skirts …— Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2001Therefore, the Administration's policy was the explicit, if unpublicized, one that it was necessary to allow Saddam Hussein to put down the rebellions.— Elizabeth Drew, New Yorker, 6 May 1991
They were given explicit instructions.
Changes to the property can't be done without their explicit consent.
The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted.
a song with explicit lyrics
The movie contains scenes of explicit violence.
two people engaging in explicit sex

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'explicit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.